Every great story starts somewhere. This is where it all began for me... At the age of 4yrs old I sought solace in horses, following the sudden passing of my twin sister.  To this day I still cannot begin to describe the pain I felt. I had no understanding of the therapy and compassion that horses give. All I knew was that I didn't feel so alone and the horses were comfortable with me, they were calm. Horses don't talk, but they are able to tell us a lot more than people think.  During my youth I slowly learnt to understand horses even more, and what their behaviour actually meant. I hadn't ever considered that my connection with horses was special. People often arrived at our front door, asking if I could help them to catch a pony from a field, or to 'fix' their 'nasty' horses that bit and kicked, or their naughty horses that bucked and reared, as well as the young horses that 'were worthless' as nobody could saddle them.​ So I did. I never thought of it as to 'master' a horse and wasn't sure why anyone said that. My uncle was an apprentice jockey and I was in awe of him, and went with him to see the magnificent racehorses whenever I could.  People continued to say that my way with horses was special - although I only started to accept this when I began my first job in racing, and was surrounded by likeminded, very experienced horsemen and horsewomen, who praised my approach. Over the years, I've seen so many times that not all horsemanship is equal and is not practised by everyone in the same way. So many are taught to accept and follow 'how things have always been done', with focus on dominating a horse, rather than understanding a horse. There are still many people today, that will not ever entertain anything different to what they already know or believe. Change requires an open mind, as does understanding any horse.  I always remember being told - ​​​​'Don't wait to improve, as time is one thing that can hinder as well as heal'.​ ​​​​​​​By the age of 17, I was working in Newmarket and progressed upwards through my career at prestigious racing yards. My natural ability enabled me to work with many of the best horses in the world - whether riding track work in the morning or schooling horses for the starting stalls or other behavioural issues. ​​​​My work has taken me around the globe as far as Australia and Dubai, and in Europe to work with so many Great horses, Riders, Jockeys, Trainers and Vets​. I worked in the UAE as the official Race Starter for Emirates Racing Association, including the 2005 Dubai World Cup. ​​​​​I've learnt so much more than I ever imagined possible through my work with these great horses - Horses that people throughout the world recognise as household names. I am forever grateful to The World Class Trainers and Esteemed Horsemen that took the time to recognise and nurture my raw talents.  I look forward to working with you and to working with your horses. I'm not a magician, I'm just a horseman. ​​​​ Welcome to Ultimate Horsemanship! ​​​​​ Nick Payne.​​​​​